Some believed that Elon Musk’s alignment with former President Donald Trump and the broader MAGA movement might encourage traditional conservatives to embrace electric vehicles. But a new study suggests the opposite has happened.

Not only has Musk’s political shift failed to win over right-leaning car buyers, it appears to have driven away support from the left as well, dampening enthusiasm for both Tesla and EVs more broadly.

Also: Tesla Drivers Say Musk Makes Them Look Like Fascists So They’re Suing

The study, published in the Humanities & Social Sciences Communications, analyzed data gathered from surveys conducted in August 2023, November 2023, May 2024, July 2024, and March 2025, set out to see if public perceptions about Musk have impacted the desirability of Tesla vehicles and other EVs.

Shifting Sentiment Across the Political Spectrum

Historically, EVs have been more popular among left-leaning consumers, which explains in part why Tesla is so popular in California. The first study of 633 adults found that liberal voters were positive to the idea of buying an EV, while conservatives were negative.

The second study also found that the more conservative you are, the less inclined you are to purchase an EV. No surprises there, and this general finding was also replicated in the third and fourth studies.

Things have since changed. The study found that the overall support for EVs among liberal voters has eroded as Musk continued to harm his reputation. At the same time, his shift to the right has done nothing to make conservatives more likely to buy a Tesla or any other EV.

The “Musk Effect” on EV Appeal

Lead author Alexandra Flores explained to The Guardian that Musk’s influence on EV perception is highly unusual. “The suspicion is that Elon Musk became so synonymous with EVs in the US that perceptions of him affected the entire class of vehicles,” she said. “This made them way less appealing to liberals—he really dragged down perceptions of EVs in general.”

Flores added that the researchers initially expected liberal support for EVs to hold steady, given their long-standing connection to environmental values. They also thought Musk’s rightward turn might make EVs more attractive to conservatives. “But the opposite happened,” she noted. “Over time, conservatives remained relatively steady in their lack of interest in EVs and Tesla, while liberals’ attitudes really dropped. They are now equally unlikely to buy an EV as they are a Tesla.”

No, this isn’t some kind of odd concept car aimed at previewing the future of mobility. Instead, it is the new i8 from Chinese automaker Li Auto, and it’s an all-electric SUV available from 321,800 yuan, or just under $45,000. We’re not sure how BMW will feel about the i8 badge being used on a vehicle like this, but Li Auto’s creation will no doubt leave legacy automakers scrambling to play catch-up.

Visually, the Li Auto i8 looks part-SUV and part-minivan. This is because it combines design elements and shapes from the existing L9 SUV, as well as the Mega, Li Auto’s flagship minivan. Like the Mega, the front of the i8 is highly unusual, featuring a full-width LED light bar running just under the windshield, rather than near the front bumper like most other new EVs hitting the Chinese market.

Read: Man Cruelly Turned His Hood Into An Aquarium And Left The Fish To Die In It

The flowing and smooth shape of the roof is also rather intriguing, while the rear is slightly more conventional. It comes complete with a light bar, a large tailgate, and, well, not much else of interest. According to Li Auto’s boss, the i8’s design was inspired by yachts, but we can’t really see the resemblance.

Entry-level versions have a 90.1 kWh NMC battery driving a pair of electric motors with 536 hp and 487 lb-ft (660 Nm) of torque. Li Auto says this version can travel up to 416 miles (670 km) on a charge, but that’s under the very generous CLTC cycle.

A larger 97.8 kWh NMC battery is available, boosting the range to 447 lb-ft (720 km). This version also offers extraordinarily high-speed charging that allows 310 miles (500 km) of range to be added in just 10 minutes. Aiding in the impressive range is a drag coefficient of just 0.218 Cd, lower than even the Tesla Model Y’s 0.220.

Li Auto says the i8 needs just 4.5 seconds to hit 100 km/h (60 mph). It also apparently consumes just 14.6 – 14.8 kWh/100 km, which is roughly in line with the much smaller Tesla Model 3.

As For The Cabin…

Like so many new Chinese cars, the interior is an absolute tech-fest. The i8 will be sold exclusively as a six-seater with a 2+2+2 layout. There’s no instrument cluster and instead, just a small screen sitting atop the center of the steering wheel and two huge 15.7-inch displays dominate the dashboard. Other nifty features include cooled wireless charging pads and the Li Auto Magic Carpet air suspension system, offering four adjustable ride heights.

The brand’s Li AD Pro assisted driving system comes as standard, while higher-end models get the Li AD Max system. Both systems include a LiDAR.

Earlier this year, Kia unveiled the all-electric EV4 in both sedan and hatchback guises. Fast forward to late July, and the South Korean carmaker has dropped details about one of the EV4’s most grueling tests from its development: a torturous 6,200 miles (10,000 km) stint at the fabled Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany.

Kia has released several images of the EV4 being tested on European roads in hatchback guise, curiously still wrapped in camouflage even though the finished car was presented several months ago. Unfortunately, there’s no imagery of it on the ‘Ring. What we do know is that the 6,200-mile (10,000 km) test session at the circuit formed part of a 68,000-mile (110,000 km) European road durability test.

Read: Kia’s First Electric Sedan Is Here To Beat The Model 3 At Its Own Game

The Nurburgring test aimed to simulate 90-95 percent of its maximum performance output, and it underwent multiple hypercharging sessions between laps. By the end of the track test, as well as the on-road testing, the EV4’s battery returned a state-of-health reading of 95 percent. EV4s sold to the public will be guaranteed to retain at least 70 percent of their original capacity after 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or eight years of regular use.

“To provide our customers a reliable, everyday EV, we had to validate the EV4’s durability both in real-world and extreme environments,” the manager of durability development at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center, Stephan Hoferer said. “With the rigorous testing – from icy roads to racetracks, we’re confident the EV4 will deliver dependable performance well beyond everyday needs.”

All EV4s are based on a 400-volt architecture and will be available with a front-mounted 201 hp electric motor in all trims. In the US, the base model will come standard with a 58.3 kWh pack, while the flagship variant gets a 81.4 kWh unit.

Evidently, the EV4 is not the type of car that owners will be taking to the track. But, if the Korean brand that in the past few years goes from strength to strength wants to spice it up with a hot, GT-branded version, it certainly has the know-how to do so.

Even if opinions on Tesla and its billionaire CEO are sharply divided, there’s little debate over the company’s track record in building some of the most capable electric vehicles on the road.

Alongside the cars themselves, Tesla also maintains a wide catalog of accessories, many of which are affordable, easy to install, and ship directly to buyers. The newest addition to that lineup may not be a technological leap, but it’s likely to catch on with owners.

Read: California EV Buyers Are Turning Their Backs On Tesla

Tesla’s online shop was recently updated to include a front lighting system designed for the front of both the Model 3 and Model Y. Given how handy the front storage compartment of the two best-selling Tesla models is, it’s perhaps somewhat of a surprise they don’t usually feature any kind of lighting system. Come to think of it, many EVs with storage frunks don’t include a light, so Tesla’s solution is a good one.

The kit, costing $100 in the US or CA$130 in Canada, includes a thin lighting strip that runs along the underside of the frunk’s rubber seal. Also included in the kit is a small power module that sticks to an area near the frunk’s emergency release switch connector. It then plugs straight in. The light strip is held in place by tape and includes IP67 dustproof and waterproof ratings.

Compatibility Limits

Importantly, the lighting kit is only available for 2020-2024 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, meaning the newer ‘Highland’ Model 3 and ‘Juniper’ Model Y are not suitable for this kit. However, Not a Tesla App reports that a similar kit is being developed for these models.

As mentioned, there are dozens of other accessories offered for all Tesla vehicles, including the slower-selling Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck. Among the most popular are roof racks, all-weather floor liners, sunshades for Tesla’s panoramic glass roofs, and new storage cubby trays.

Even as the EV market continues to shift and evolve, Mercedes-Benz is moving ahead with plans to expand its electric lineup. Mercedes-Benz has been working on the new all-electric GLC with EQ Technology for quite some time, and we now finally know when it will be unveiled.

Read: Mercedes Previews New GLC EV With 320+ kW DC Fast Charging

As previously speculated, it will premiere at the IAA Mobility show in September, more commonly known as the Munich Motor Show. In an era where electric SUVs and crossovers are becoming increasingly popular, the GLC EV will play an important role for the German brand.

The upcoming GLC EV will effectively replace the EQC, a model that struggled to make an impression. It’s expected to match the overall size of the combustion-engine GLC, but with a distinctly updated design. Mercedes describes it as “a new face of the brand,” signaling a more modern and refined aesthetic.

Design Details Come Into Focus

Mercedes has released a single teaser image previewing the new model, but prototypes spied in recent months have offered us a better look at the model. The teaser hints at an illuminated front grille that gives the SUV a more prominent presence. Prototypes have also revealed reworked LED headlights and taillights, indicating a comprehensive redesign.

Key rivals to the GLC with EQ Technology include the Porsche Macan Electric and the BMW iX3, which will soon be thoroughly updated as part of the brand’s Neue Klasse era. Fittingly, the automaker has developed an 800-volt electrical architecture for the SUV that offers DC fast charging speeds of up to 320 kW. That means it will be possible to add roughly 162 miles (260 km) of range in just 10 minutes.

Launch Version and Future Plans

The first version arriving on the market will be the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ Technology. Mercedes hasn’t shared specific performance details yet, including motor configuration or acceleration times, but a more powerful variant is likely to follow not long after.

Other than presenting the electric GLC, in Munich Mercedes will also showcase the MB.Drive Assist Pro semi-autonomous driving system and offer rides in a specially-equipped CLA. The EQS and S-Class with Drive Pilot will also be available for demo drives. Joining the GLC with EQ on display be the radical new Concept AMG GT XX.

Less than a month ago, BMW announced a recall impacting more than 70,000 of its electric vehicles, revealing a software issue that could cause the high-voltage system to shut down unexpectedly. Fast forward to July, and the German brand has issued another recall for several of its EVs in the United States. This time, the recall is also related to battery cell modules that may have been assembled incorrectly.

Read: BMW Recalls Thousands Of EVs That Can Lose Power While Driving

According to the recall notice, the issue stems from the process of compressing individual battery cells to form a single module. In this case, BMW says the force used to combine the cells within the module may have exceeded its specifications. This means that over the lifetime of the vehicle, and when combined with repeated charging sessions, the module frame could fail.

What Can Go Wrong

If the frame does weaken or fail, it could lead to a shutdown of the high-voltage system. This would result in a total loss of propulsion, creating a potential crash risk. There’s also an increased chance of fire if a failure occurs.

The recall impacts a total of 136 vehicles. Oftentimes, only a small percentage of affected vehicles are thought to have the issue. That’s not the case here, as BMW believes that all 136 vehicles have battery cell modules that may not have been assembled to specifications.

Those include 2022-2025 BMW iX models manufactured from November 3, 2021, and February 14, 2024, as well as 2023-2024 BMW i7s built from June 12, 2023, to July 19, 2023, and 2022-2023 BMW i4s assembled from June 2, 2022, to May 11, 2023.

Notably, vehicles involved in the recall may not suffer from any issues for quite some time. In its analysis, BMW says that damage to the module frame of impacted models may not occur until the latter part of 2026. Nevertheless, it’s decided now is the time to issue a recall.

Owners will begin receiving notification letters on September 5. Dealers have already been instructed to replace the affected high-voltage battery cell modules on all impacted vehicles.

Long before electric vehicles became a common sight on roads, there was a time when resourceful hobbyists took matters into their own hands. Back then, converting gas-powered cars into EVs was a niche pursuit, often tackled with simple electric powertrains and a lot of trial and error.

Among the few small companies that specialized in these conversions was an American outfit called Jet Industries. Now, one of its creations is heading to auction.

Read: Dodge’s New Charger Coming To Europe And The Middle East In 2025

From the outside, this 1980 Dodge Omni 024 looks just like any other. But beneath its ordinary exterior, the original engine has been replaced by a compact 23-horsepower electric motor. That’s a laughable figure by modern EV standards, but this was the 1970s and 1980s, when the idea of an electric car was still closer to a science project than a production model.

Vintage Tech Under the Hatch

Pop the trunk and you’ll find a dedicated compartment that holds the battery pack. It’s unclear how many Dodge Omni 024s were converted by the Texas-based firm, but it’s certainly quite rare.

There’s also no word on how far it could travel on a single charge. What we do know is that rather than using a lithium-ion pack like most current EVs, this special Omni simply had a bunch of 12-volt lead-acid batteries in the rear, reportedly weighing upwards of 1,000 lbs.

Photos Mecum

Curiously, all of the batteries have been removed from the trunk of this Dodge, so it no longer runs. Mecum Auctions is handling the sale of the EV, but has not provided any photos of its underside. Chances are, there’s plenty of rust there, judging from the photos of the trunk.

A Rare Find, If Not a Valuable One

While the car’s uniqueness is undeniable, its value is likely modest. Given its condition and limited appeal beyond collectors of obscure automotive history, a sale price in the low thousands wouldn’t be surprising.

It may not run, and it’s definitely not fast, but if you’ve got a soft spot for oddball EVs and a high tolerance for rust, this relic might be calling your name. Check out the listing here, just don’t forget your trickle charger and a tetanus shot.

Photos Mecum

Even in a world where long-delayed product launches are the norm, the second-gen Tesla Roadster has become somewhat of a running joke in the automotive world. First presented as a running prototype in November of 2017, Tesla had promised to start building the electric hypercar killer in 2020. We’re now more than halfway through 2025, and Tesla has yet to unveil the production version.

Read: 8 Years Later, Tesla’s Still Taking $50K Roadster Reservations Musk Promised For 2020

Despite its prolonged absence, Tesla insists the Roadster remains in development, with ever-growing promises to match. According to Tesla’s head of vehicle engineering, Lars Moravy, the Roadster will be the “last best driver’s car.” Given how outlandish that statement is, we’re surprised Tesla boss Elon Musk didn’t make it.

New Promises of Progress, But Few Details

Moravy made the comment during the recent X Takeover event, around the 26-minute mark in the video below. He mentioned that Musk was recently shown “some cool demos” of the new model, but didn’t provide any further details about what those demos involved.

“We spent a lot of time in the last few years rethinking what we did, and why we did it, and what would make an awesome and exciting last best driver’s car,” Moravy said. “We’ve been making it better and better, and it is even a little bit more than a car. We showed Elon some cool demos last week and tech we’ve been working on, and he got a little excited.”

Rocket Thrusters and Lofty Goals

Tesla has made some very bold claims about the Roadster. In 2018, Elon Musk said it would be sold with a SpaceX option package that added around 10 small rocket thrusters to “dramatically improve acceleration, top speed, braking & cornering.”

More recently, in mid-2024, he went as far as to say that “the new Tesla Roadster can fly”. Until Tesla demonstrates this publicly, these remarks come off as little more than efforts to buoy the company’s stock price.

As we recently revealed, Tesla continues to accept $50,000 reservations for the Roadster, despite not yet announcing the car’s final price tag or when customers can expect to take delivery.

Tesla’s Robotaxi service may have generated plenty of headlines since launching in a geofenced area of Austin recently, but soon, Waymo will be adding a second Texas city to its program. Already providing more than 250,000 paid trips in Austin and other major US cities every week, Waymo will launch in Dallas next year, showing Tesla a thing or two about how to run a successful robotaxi service.

Rather than going it alone, Waymo is leveraging the operational scale and expertise of Avis to help ensure smooth day-to-day management as it enters a new market. The rental giant will help to manage its fleet operations, as well as infrastructure, vehicle maintenance, and general depot operations.

Read: Tech Founder Predicts The End Of Driving For Your Kids And Maybe You Too

“We look forward to bringing our fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the people of Dallas next year, offering a new era of safe and seamless transportation,” Waymo co-chief executive Tekedra Mawakana said. “Working together with our fleet partner Avis, Waymo will offer more riders a stress-free way to get around.”

The self-driving car division of Alphabet didn’t disclose how much of Dallas will be covered by its robotaxi service. Nevertheless, Waymo says it is confident it can contribute to Dallas’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating all traffic-related deaths and reducing severe injury crashes by 50 percent by 2030.

“We are excited that fully autonomous ride-hailing services are scheduled to begin in Dallas next year,” Dallas city manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert added. “The Waymo and Avis partnership will offer an innovative, technology-based transportation option for our residents and visitors.  We look forward to the launch of this new service.”

Dallas won’t be the end of Waymo’s expansion. The company is reportedly considering launching in Houston and San Antonio in the future. It could also expand into San Diego, Boston, and New York. According to ABC News, Waymo is also eyeing Tokyo as the first market outside of the US for its robotaxis.

Surging car sales from China’s automakers might not be quite as clear-cut as they seem. Behind the headline-grabbing numbers lies a practice that’s prompting questions: some companies appear to be boosting reported sales by insuring vehicles before they’re actually sold.

A new report from Reuters sheds light on this strategy, claiming that several of China’s top car manufacturers have been counting cars as “sold” once they’re insured, even if those vehicles haven’t yet reached buyers. Thanks to this approach, sales figures appear stronger than they truly are, giving the impression that targets are being met.

Read: China’s Next Supercar Is Coming For Ferrari And They’re Not Laughing Anymore

Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Neta and Zeekr had insured tens of thousands of vehicles before selling them to buyers, allowing the companies to book sales early under Chinese industry car registration practices. In the case of Neta, it reportedly recorded early sales of at least 64,719 cars from January 2023 to March 2024, more than half of the total 117,000 vehicles it sold over that period.

As it turns out, many other companies could be doing the same. Reuters recently examined 97 customer complaints related to the controversial sales practice, and in more than a dozen cases, buyers were told by dealerships that the method was used specifically to help manufacturers hit sales goals. In many cases, customers only discovered their new vehicles had been previously insured after completing the purchase.

Dealerships affiliated with major brands such as FAW Hongqi, SAIC Roewe, SAIC VW, Dongfeng Nissan, GAC Toyota, GAC Honda, and SAIC GM have admitted to official media that insuring unsold vehicles is a practice used to meet sales targets.

Interestingly, a Honda spokesperson told Reuters that GAC Honda dealers are prohibited from taking out compulsory insurance before selling new cars. Similarly, FAW Hongqi says it does not engage in such shady practices. GM China also said that it only counts deliveries, not insured vehicles, in its sales reports.

Two key metrics are used to track sales in China. The first are reported from automakers to the industry association, showing sales from automakers to dealers. The second is retail data based on mandatory traffic insurance registrations, which captures actual sales to consumers.

The practice is understood to have first emerged as early as 2016 but is believed to have grown in popularity from early 2023 when the Chinese car price war kicked off. Companies like Li Auto have reportedly leaned heavily into publishing weekly sales rankings on social media, using only insurance registration numbers to demonstrate their performance.

China’s Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) has pushed back against the use of insurance data for public sales rankings, calling the figures unreliable and blaming them for fueling what it described this month as increasingly cutthroat.

Air suspension systems offer a unique advantage in modern vehicles, letting drivers adjust ride height on the fly. This makes them especially useful for off-roaders and pickup trucks, where flexibility and ground clearance are key. The Tesla Cybertruck is one of many vehicles to come standard with air suspension, but according to one owner, his truck’s suspension failed dramatically, and with no clear explanation.

Also: Cybertruck Owner Returns To Dead EV After Two Weeks Plugged In

Writing on the Tesla Owners Online forum, a member living in Texas says he was at home when he heard a low “shotgun-like bang” from his Foundation Series Cybertruck parked outside. He looked and noticed “smoke or dust” rising from the Tesla’s bed in his driveway.

Most people who hear a bang from an EV may expect the battery to have spontaneously caught on fire, but that’s not what happened here, or at least according to the owner.

A Sudden Collapse

Following the noise, the right side of the Cybertruck immediately began to sag after the bang. The EV was towed to the nearest Tesla service center in Houston. A technician found that one of the shocks and springs had pushed itself upward and damaged part of the Tesla’s frame.

Despite the unusual nature of the failure, Tesla declined to cover the damage under warranty. According to the service center, the failure was the result of an “outside influence.” They also requested $250 from the owner to release the vehicle in its current condition.

The owner has suggested that the extreme Texas temperatures could have caused the air suspension to blow, noting that the truck hadn’t been driven for over 12 hours when the suspension failed in spectacular fashion.

External Damage, or a Design Flaw?

Not everyone on the forum agrees with the temperature theory. One user suggested that, for the air suspension to fail as described, the casing would likely have had to suffer prior damage, possibly from an off-road excursion. The owner admits to driving his Cybertruck off-road, and it’s certainly possible the suspension could have been damaged without him noticing.

Regardless of what caused the damage, no vehicle should suffer catastrophic suspension failure like this, unless it’s driven off a cliff or something like that. While air suspension systems can occasionally run into issues, a spontaneous failure that impacts the frame raises questions, either about unseen damage, the system’s durability, or both.

Could extreme heat have triggered the failure, or did off-road use quietly weaken the suspension until it finally gave way? The cause remains unclear, but it’s certainly not the kind of bang any EV owner wants to hear.

Most e-bikes look a little futuristic, but what if you want to ride around on a two-wheeler that looks more like a classic Café Racer, but without spewing harmful toxins into the atmosphere? Well, a company by the name of Beachman has the answer with its new ’64 e-bike, combining modern powertrain technologies with retro looks inspired by some classic motorcycles. By warned, however, this thing isn’t cheap.

Read: City Cracks Down On E-Bikes With Strict New Rules

At first glance, the Beachman ’64 may look like a motorbike, but practically, it’s more similar to an electric bicycle. For starters, it’s only powered by a small 2.88 kWh lithium battery. Secondly, it tops out at 45 mph (72 km/h) and can only travel 55 miles (88 km) on a single charge. So, it’s more of a fun recreational vehicle than the Café Racer motorbikes that have inspired it.

Mode Options for Varied Terrain

Three different driving modes are offered. The first, known simply as E-Bike Mode, caps the top speed to 20 mph (32 km/h) while Mopar Mode unlocks a top speed of 30 mph (48 km/h). The dedicated Off-Road Mode is needed to get to 45 mph (72 km/h).

Shoppers who need a little more than 55 miles of range can opt for a larger 3.6 kWh pack, boosting range to 70 miles (112 km). Both models include regenerative braking, and the battery can be charged to 80 percent in three hours from a normal household plug.

Classic Design

Visually, the Beachman ’64 ticks all the right boxes. It comes equipped with grippy off-road tires, slim motorcycle-style handlebars, and a prominent central headlight. A quilted leather seat adds a touch of vintage charm to the overall design.

In the US, pricing for the ’64 starts at $4,800. That puts it close to the cost of some entry-level gas motorcycles, but if you’re looking for an electric alternative with vintage style, the options are far more limited. While it may not be the most practical electric bike on the market, it’s certainly one of the more stylish.

It’s been three years since the long-awaited Polestar 5 made its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as a heavily-disguised prototype. In that time, the Polestar range has grown to include the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4, and yet, we are still waiting for the sleek Polestar 5 sedan to hit the market.

Thankfully, the electric automaker continues to work on this new model. Roughly seven months after our spy photographers snapped it during testing in Scandinavia, a YouTuber and Carscoops reader filmed a Polestar 5 being tested in Germany.

Read: 2025 Polestar 5 Revealed, Aims To Be The New Electric Benchmark With 872 HP

Visually, this prototype resembles the others we’ve seen, except for the addition of a glistening white rear diffuser, rather than the more subtle black one. According to Sascha Pallenberg, who filmed the car, the Polestar 5 was filmed around the training area of Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany’s most decorated soccer teams.

Some players from the team even reportedly sat shotgun in the prototype for some short test rides, prompting speculation that Polestar may soon become one of the team’s sponsors.

Targeting High-Performance Rivals

Polestar will position the 5 as a rival to the Audi e-tron GT, Porsche Taycan, and the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door EV, recently previewed with a dramatic concept. In 2022, Polestar said its flagship sedan could deliver 872 hp and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) through a pair of electric motors. It’s possible that power could be lifted slightly, particularly since the latest RS e-tron GT Performance delivers 912 hp, and the AMG could have upwards of 1,000 hp.

Regardless of the car’s final horsepower and torque figures, it should be an absolute straight-line weapon. Think 0-60 mph (100 km/h) in the low 3-second range, if not even slightly quicker.

Visually, the 5 will remain easily identifiable as a Polestar thanks to its aggressive split headlights and dramatic rear end with a full-width light bar. The interior will also remain similarly minimalist to other Polestar models, meaning the 5 will be mostly free of physical buttons and switches, as the vast majority of its controls will be found within the infotainment display.

Baldauf

Electric vehicles are evolving quickly, and in Brazil, their trajectory is shaped by more than environmental concerns. With crime and carjackings a part of daily life, demand for armored cars has surged, making Brazil home to the world’s largest civilian fleet of bulletproof vehicles. Even Toyota sells factory-armored Corollas and Hiluxes. Now, one of China’s rising EV brands is entering the market, armor and all.

More: Toyota Now Sells Bulletproof Corolla And Hilux Models In Brazil

It’s not been long since Zeekr burst onto the EV scene, quickly establishing itself as one of the most intriguing new carmakers from China. Alongside growing its local sales, it’s been rapidly expanding around the world, including South America, where a particularly interesting version of one of its EVs was recently spotted.

This particular Zeekr is an example of its first model, the 001. Launched a few years ago and updated in early 2024 with better range and more features, the 001 is a sleek estate that’s both luxurious and very, very quick in flagship FR guise. But this particular 001 isn’t grabbing headlines for speed or design.

An Electric Estate, Now with Ballistic Protection

Instead, this Zeekr 001 is believed to be the first armored example built. Recently spotted on the streets of Brazil, the blacked-out Zeekr looks completely normal from the outside. However, all of its panels have been armored, thick bulletproof windows have been added, and the panoramic glass roof has been strengthened.

Photos Weibo

While there’s no word on what company was responsible for the upgrades, the owner of this Zeekr must be quite important to justify the need to cruise around in a bulletproof EV. We don’t have any photos of the car’s undertray, but presumably, it too has been upgraded to ensure the battery pack can withstand any blasts from underneath.

Underpinning all 001 models is an 800-volt architecture with the option of a basic 95 kWh LFP battery and a larger 100 kW NMC pack. Entry-level models have a 416 hp electric motor driving the rear wheels, while all-wheel drive versions also add a 362 hp motor to the front axle. The flagship 001 FR lifts things to a new level, pumping out a combined 1,248 hp and 944 lb-ft (1,280 Nm), enough to send it to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.07 seconds.

Ever since Tesla’s inception, California has been one of its most important markets, thanks to the state’s progressive policies and deep commitment to electric vehicles. While California remains hugely important for Tesla, new registrations continue their decline for the seventh straight quarter. Alarm bells should be ringing at Tesla HQ.

Read: Tesla’s European Sales Bloodbath Continues, But One Country Is Over Hating Musk

Data from the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) shows that 41,138 new Tesla registrations were recorded across the state in the second quarter. That’s a significant 21.1 percent decline from Q2 in 2024 and was no doubt caused in part by Musk’s continued involvement in politics, including forming the new America Party.

Sales Slide Continues Into 2025

The picture doesn’t improve when looking at year-to-date figures. Tesla’s California sales for the first half of 2025 are down 18.3 percent compared to the same timeframe last year. To reverse course, Tesla may need to accelerate the rollout of its rumored budget-friendly, stripped-down Model Y, a move that could help re-engage cost-conscious buyers, especially with the $7,500 federal tax credit set to expire on September 30.

While Tesla’s sales in California continue to fall, the Model Y and Model 3 are still the best-selling new EVs in the state. This year, a total of 44,112 Model Ys have been registered in California, while 31,394 Model 3s have also found new homes. The next best-selling hybrid, PHEV, or ZEV model is the Toyota Camry Hybrid, shifting 30,464 units over the same period.

Behind the Model Y and Model S, the third best-selling EV in California is the Hyundai Ioniq 5, with 7,498 examples sold through the first half. That positioned it ahead of the Honda Prologue with 5,931, the Ford Mustang Mach-E with 5,594, the Chevrolet Equinox at 5,584, and the BMW i4 with 5,396 units registered.

Tesla’s declining numbers stand in contrast to broader industry gains. Toyota, for example, saw its second-quarter sales in California rise 9.8 percent, from 78,964 to 86,683 vehicles. Honda also posted a 9.3 percent increase, jumping from 49,651 to 54,278 registrations over the same period.

In the past three years, David Blenkle has driven his Ford Mustang Mach-E more than 250,000 miles (403,000 km). And, while there are still plenty of EV detractors out there who proudly proclaim that EVs cannot stand the test of time quite like ICE models, Blenkle’s electric Ford proves otherwise.

Read: Ford Warns Buyers Time Is Running Out For America’s Best EV Deals

Blenkle operates a private car service in Santa Cruz, California, and on a typical day, spends 12 hours behind the wheel of his black Mustang Mach-E Premium. Not only does he offer paid rides, but he also offers complimentary rides for military veterans and their families to appointments or national cemeteries. Through it all, his Mach-E has continued to chug along without any serious issues.

A Battery That Keeps Going

Ford’s own internal testing indicates that the Mustang Mach-E’s battery pack is designed to last at least 10 years and retain 90 percent of its capacity at 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Despite Blenkle’s Mustang still using the original battery, he can get up to 290 miles (467 km) per charge.

Most of the time, he plugs in at home overnight to take advantage of lower electricity rates. On longer days, he sometimes supplements with a quick top-up at a DC public fast charger.

Minimal Maintenance, Maximum Use

Any car driven these kinds of distances will need maintenance, and the Mustang Mach-E is no different. However, like other EVs, it can be far easier and cheaper to keep in service than an ICE alternative. Blenkle’s maintenance schedule primarily consists of tire rotations, multipoint inspections, and new cabin filters. He makes good use of the Ford’s regenerative braking system, and as such, his Ford still uses the original brake pads.

“The biggest misconception I encounter is about battery life and range, and then I show them my odometer!” Blenkle said in a recent interview with Ford.

To help preserve the battery’s long-term health, he regularly limits charging to 90 percent, a practice recommended by many manufacturers for daily use. It’s a small habit that, combined with his consistent charging schedule, has helped keep the Mach-E running smoothly despite its demanding workload.

In June, Tesla introduced its long-awaited Robotaxi service to a geo-fenced area of Austin, Texas. It’s now planning to expand this service to the San Francisco Bay Area, but has yet to receive the required go-ahead from local authorities to do so. In the meantime, Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has made a bold proclamation about the robotaxi service and its potential for rapid growth.

Read: Tesla’s Robotaxis Aren’t The Same As The Model Y You Can Buy

While speaking on Tesla’s quarterly earnings call, Musk declared that “half of the population of the US will be covered by Tesla’s Robotaxi by the end of the year.” Given that we’re already fast approaching the end of July, and the system is only operating in a section of a single US city, this seems like yet another grandiose statement from the world’s richest man that will not bear fruit.

Safety Measures Still in Place

Currently, all Robotaxis operating in Austin are believed to feature a hidden kill switch that can instantly disable the Full Self-Driving system. All vehicles currently have a Tesla employee sitting in the passenger seat with their finger constantly resting on the door opening button, prompting suggestions that this button has been repurposed to act as a quick override mechanism.

Tesla’s Robotaxis have already been seen struggling with real-world driving conditions in Texas. Several videos have captured the vehicles making noticeable blunders on the road, raising questions about how quickly the system can realistically scale to other parts of the country within the next five months.

Ambitious Expansion Plans

This isn’t the only wild statement Musk recently made about the company’s self-driving systems, notes The Verge. Speaking on the same earnings call, Musk predicted that by the end of 2025, Tesla customers will be able to update their vehicles so they can use FSD without supervision. In addition to eyeing an expansion into California, Musk also named Florida, Nevada, and Arizona as other states where Tesla wants to introduce its Robotaxi service.

While Tesla can continue to test and improve its driver-assistance systems, it can do little to speed up the state regulatory approvals necessary for expanding the service across the United States. So, unless you live near a massive urban center, don’t expect to be able to order a self-driving Tesla taxi anytime soon.

American shoppers in the market for the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N could be in for some sticker shock if reports about prices in Korea prove to be accurate. While some had hoped it would offer a competitive alternative to the Tesla Model 3 Performance, early pricing leaks suggest it might land in a different tier altogether. Instead of undercutting the competition, the Ioniq 6 N may be priced more in line with Hyundai’s existing performance EV, the Ioniq 5 N.

Read: Hyundai’s Fastest Electric Sedan Can Drift And Snarl Like A Gas Car While Hitting 62 In 3.2

According to recent reports, the Ioniq 6 N is expected to start at around 77 million won in South Korea, the equivalent of around $55,000. Sounds just about perfect, right? Well, the Ioniq 5 N also sells for 77 million won in Korea, but its price has been jacked up to $67,800 in the United States. If this rumor is true, that means the Ioniq 6 N may also start at around $68,000 when it lands stateside.

Expectations Versus Reality

That would come as somewhat of a surprise, given that the entry-level Ioniq 6 is almost $5,000 cheaper than the base Ioniq 5 in the US. Some had assumed this meant the Ioniq 6 N would also undercut the Ioniq 5 N, which is slightly bigger. Additionally, as the Ioniq 6 N is Hyundai’s second high-performance EV using many of the same parts as the Ioniq 5 N, one would have thought the firm would have been able to bring its costs down.

Hyundai Or Tesla?

A price tag of over $65,000 would make the Ioniq 6 N significantly more expensive than the Tesla Model 3 Performance, which starts at $54,990. Admittedly, the Ioniq 6 N has a healthy 131 hp advantage over the Tesla and is also equipped with far more driver-focused features, which should make it much more enjoyable to drive.

Interestingly, while the Hyundai has a big power advantage, the Tesla is slightly quicker off the mark, at least on paper, capable of hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.1 seconds in Euro-spec, compared to the Hyundai’s 3.2 seconds.

Pricing aside, the Ioniq 6 N has the ingredients for an intoxicating EV. It features an 84 kWh battery pack and two electric motors, typically delivering 601 hp but capable of producing 641 hp with the N Grin Boost function enabled.

High-horsepower showdowns are always a spectacle, especially when they pit cutting-edge electric speed against old-school combustion muscle. That’s exactly the case with the new Chevy Corvette ZR1, which has caused a stir in the performance car world with its 1,064-hp V8 and the largest turbochargers ever fitted to a production car.

But can all that power outmatch one of the fastest production EVs on the planet, the Tesla Model S Plaid, on a drag strip? A new test sets out to answer that question.

Watch: This American Monster Just Faced A Supercar And What Happened Was Unexpected

To most casual observers, the Corvette ZR1 may seem like the favorite. However, for those who are familiar with Tesla’s capabilities, the two are actually quite well-matched.

Thanks to a pair of mighty electric motors, the Model S Plaid delivers 1,020 hp and benefits from all-wheel drive. It is heavier than the Corvette, tipping the scales at 4,812 lbs (2,183 kg), compared to the ZR1 Coupe’s 1,665 kg (3,670 lbs). Despite this, the spec sheet would suggest that Tesla has the advantage. Tesla says it can sprint down the quarter-mile in 9.23 seconds, whereas Chevy says the new ZR1 needs 9.6 seconds.

Muscle vs. Electrons

In the first of a few drag races between the new Corvette ZR1 and the Model S Plaid, Drag Times gave the jump to the C8. Initially, the two pick up speed at similar rates, but as the race progresses, the Tesla pulls ahead to take a commanding win. In this race, the Tesla set a time of 9.243 seconds, whereas the ZR1 needed 9.8 seconds.

It was a similar story in the second race. However, the Tesla won even more convincingly as the YouTuber didn’t give it such a big head start. The Corvette driver also failed to match the time of his first run, running the quarter-mile in a somewhat disappointing 10.3 seconds. In the third and final race, the Tesla again set a 9.2-second quarter-mile, whereas the ZR1 was left trailing with a 10.2-second time.

As we’ve seen many times in the past, it’s much easier to set consistent acceleration times in a high-performance EV than it is in a gas-powered car. So for now, the Model S Plaid comes out on top. Now we just have to wait and see what the all-wheel drive hybrid ZR1X can do, with Chevy suggesting it’ll dip below the 9.0-second mark in the quarter-mile.

Come September 30, not a single electric vehicle in the United States will qualify for a federal tax credit. As that deadline approaches, Tesla appears increasingly motivated to clear out as much inventory as possible.

The company has rolled out a number of incentives across its lineup, with a particular focus on the slow-selling Cybertruck. Even so, it’s unclear whether these perks will be enough to boost demand.

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There are dozens of Cybertrucks in Tesla’s current inventory, some of which are eligible for the federal EV tax credit, and some of which aren’t. Regardless, almost all of them are being sold with generous price cuts, with some valued at upwards of $3,000. Eligible vehicles can get the tax credit regardless of whether they purchase the electric pickup or lease it.

In case discounts and credits aren’t enough to convince people to get behind the wheel of a Cybertruck, there’s another incentive on offer. All Cybertrucks that are leased from Tesla’s current inventory now come standard with a 20-inch Cyber Wheel upgrade as standard, complete with all-terrain tires.

0 Percent Financing, With Conditions

In addition, the Cybertruck is available with 0 percent APR financing. However, this is only available for “well-qualified buyers with excellent credit” who order a new Cybertruck with Full-Self Driving and provide a minimum down payment of 4 percent on terms of up to 60 months.

Tesla has also started advertising several offers that apply across its range, including for the Cybertruck. For example, all military members, first responders, teachers, and students can receive a $1,000 discount for being ‘American Heroes,’ and every new Tesla includes a free one-month trial of Full Self-Driving.

Free FSD Transfers

Perhaps the most intriguing offer currently available is that Full Self-Driving can now be transferred to a new vehicle free of charge. Usually, FSD is locked to the vehicle, rather than the owners who have paid for it. During promotional periods like this, Tesla often offers free transfers of FSD for brief periods, but this appears to be the first time the Cybertruck has been included. While that’s a step in the right direction, Tesla should make FSD free to transfer for all owners, all the time.